International LL.M. Students Get Close Up Look at the Supreme Court

If the goal was exposure to the American way, visiting law students got a double-dose on May 24th when they witnessed the nation’s highest court in action as it handed down a significant decision about one of the country’s most beloved sports.

Professor Faith Mullen led a group of 10 LL.M. students to the United States Supreme Court for a tour that included hearing decisions in six cases read by the justices. The group was also treated to a lecture from the court's curator's office, who discussed the mechanics of how the court operates, its history, and the artwork and architecture found within the building.

Hailing from Poland, Ireland, Italy and Nigeria, the students are part of the Columbus School of Law’s LL.M. program, which runs in conjunction with Jagiellonian University in Cracow, Poland. About a year long, the program calls for students to pursue the majority of their studies in Cracow, then finishing up at Catholic University during their second summer.

The program is designed to provide lawyers educated outside the United States with a foundation in American law and the American legal system.

The students, who are currently taking Advanced Legal Research and Writing as well as an elective of their choice, were present when the high court handed down its decision in American Needle v. NFL (08-661), a closely-watched antitrust immunity case argued last January that had profound implications for how National Football League teams may sell hats, sweatshirts and other gear bearing the teams identifying logos and names.

Accompanied by Professor Leah Wortham and law school registrar Stuart Schept, the visit to the Supreme Court was the first for most of the group. It education in the workings of America’s legal system continued with a later trip to D.C. Superior Court, where they heard cases in four different courtrooms and got to meet with one of the judges.